Donna J. Cassell

Donna J. Cassell, 78, of Etters passed away Saturday, December 13, 2025, at The Woods at Cedar Run, Camp Hill, where she was surrounded by family and close friends.

A graduate of Central Dauphin East High School and Harrisburg Institute of Medical Arts, she worked as a medical assistant for more than 30 years at Fairview Family Health Center and Green Hill Family Health Center.

She was a member of Baughman Methodist Church and formerly Fishing Creek Salem United Methodist Church, where she served as a Lay Leader and Sunday School Teacher, and helped lead and develop programs for pre-school education and to recruit, welcome and mentor new church members. For her commitment to community service, Donna was chosen Woman of the Year for the Lewisberry/Etters area Women’s Club.

Donna was known as someone who supported everyone she met in a kind, compassionate, and selfless manner. She was devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, and gently and steadfastly supported her family. She was also a woman of many talents, and loved flower gardening, cooking, decorating, and making birthdays, holidays and celebrations special for everyone. She also enjoyed camping and waterskiing, and spending time at the family cabin, Hanoverdale Hunting Camp, in Pine Creek Valley, for which she served as President.

Donna was born March 4, 1947, in Harrisburg, to the late Christian H. and Dorothy (Seiger) Hershey.

She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Gary L. Cassell; daughter Kristi Cassell Burke (William) of Denver; son, Seth P. Cassell (Amy) of Halifax; sister, Bonnie Bell of Harrisburg; grandchildren, Jacob and Brady Burke and Zane and Ayla Cassell; and several nieces and nephews.

There will be a private burial at Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. A public Memorial Service will be held on January 12 at Baughman Methodist Church, 228 Bridge St., New Cumberland, PA. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., followed by a service at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation For Parkinson’s Research, https://www.michaeljfox.org/